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RUTLEDGE and GRAHAM: Aiding sage grouse and energy interests

By Brian Rutledge and Gary Graham, Special to the Rocky

Published September 1, 2008 at 12:05 a.m.

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The unbroken sagebrush where the sage grouse makes its home is one of the most iconic landscapes of Wyoming, Colorado and the other Rocky Mountain states, where the sweeping vistas evoke the optimistic, far-reaching perspective many of us associate with the Western United States.

It is also a region of great ecological importance, providing habitat for 60 species of concern, including long-billed curlew and pygmy rabbit, as well as the Gunnison's and greater sage grouse.

Sadly, much of this unique ecosystem has already been lost to development, drought and clearing for agriculture and fire. Now, unbridled energy extraction poses an even greater, unprecedented threat. Fortunately, there is still time to preserve critical habitat - without ignoring our energy needs. But doing so clearly requires the consensus and collaboration of stakeholders who have not typically seen eye-to-eye - including federal and state government agencies, conservationists, ranchers and oil and gas companies.

The good news is that these sometimes disparate interests have now come together to recommend a sound and balanced approach to managing sage-grouse habitat. In Wyoming, the state's Sage Grouse Implementation Team, which includes representatives of the oil and gas industry, state agencies and conservation organizations, has developed a plan for protecting the most critical habitat areas for sage grouse while at the same time allowing responsible energy extraction. On Aug. 1, Wyoming Gov. David Freudenthal issued an executive order endorsing this approach and providing a real opportunity to protect the sage grouse, and the majestic Wyoming landscape where it makes its home.

In Colorado, Gov. Bill Ritter has initiated a rule-making process that will also offer protection of grouse and other species.

It is now time for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to live up to its responsibility to all Americans by adopting Gov. Freudenthal's plan. In excess of 18 million surface acres and more than 41 million subsurface acres in Wyoming alone are under the control of this federal agency, which has been putting massive tracts of pristine sagebrush habitat on the block at fire-sale prices nearly every other month. These leases are issued under stipulations that have failed to succeed in protecting sage grouse. The governor's plan calls for stipulations proven to protect this challenged species.

The message appears to be getting through to some BLM officials. But the agency still needs to answer to an administration that seems determined to drill at all costs, ignoring the serious long-term threats to nature and the human and wildlife communities it supports.

It's time for Washington to join Western citizens and their leaders in their growing appreciation of the need for a more balanced approach. By following the lead of Govs. Freuden- thal and Ritter, we can demonstrate that it is possible for sage grouse, healthy landscapes and gas production to co-exist.

Brian Rutledge is the executive director of Audubon Wyoming. He is a resident of Laramie, Wyo. Gary Graham is vice president and executive director of Audubon Colorado. He is a resident of Boulder.

Comments

  • September 2, 2008

    6:37 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    Mike_In_Hartsel writes:

    "By following the lead of Govs. Freudenthal and Ritter, we can demonstrate that it is possible for sage grouse, healthy landscapes and gas production to co-exist."????

    What drilling? They're both opposed to it. If we stop drilling the only economic solution is to cease all development and limit population growth to zero. These enviro-radicals lie about what damage drilling will do to push their agenda of no growth. The Alaskan Pipeline was supposed to ruin the environment but the Caribou are going stronger than ever.

  • September 2, 2008

    8:02 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    greenleaf writes:

    Mike,

    We are drilling over 3,000 wells per year in Colorado. Ritter couldn't stop it if he wanted to. I agree that there are "enviro-radicals" who have an anti-growth agenda. Ritter isn't one of these. There also exist "drill here, drill now" fanatics who are unwilling to acknowledge that other values are worth protecting as well. What we need is a balance. Drill, yes, but do it lightly and with concern for our state's natural beauty, wildlife and the quality of our air and water. It is misleading to make it sound like an either or situation. when we can and should accommodate both.